Global Makes Strategic Acquisition of leanStream in Canada

Global, the Media & Entertainment group, has acquired the digital audio sales division of Canadian based Audio Streaming Solutions Provider, leanStream. This move brings DAX, the world’s most sophisticated digital audio advertising platform, to Canada and gives Global an ad sales and ad tech footprint in the country.

With the launch of DAX Canada, the platform’s global reach grows to 165 million people streaming digital audio through premium publisher brands. DAX’s presence in the market means that Canadian advertisers can now use its extensive audience targeting and unique audio attribution tool ‘Listener Insight ID’ across the existing leanStream publisher portfolio.

Mike Gordon, Chief Commercial Officer at Global, said: “We’ve seen DAX triumph in new markets and demand from advertisers worldwide continues to grow at pace. We have been watching the Canadian market for a while now and feel it is ripe for growth. Our vision is to add the DAX data and attribution capabilities to leanStream’s broad publisher portfolio to deliver a world-class audio solution for Canadian advertisers. We are excited to be adding a brilliant new team to DAX and we’re looking forward to making DAX Canada a huge success.”

Chris Nimigon, Chief Revenue Officer of leamStream will now become Chief Revenue Officer of DAX Canada and lead the business. All leanStream sales team members will join DAX while leanStream’s existing business will continue to sell its digital streaming services.

“DAX is at the forefront of innovation, leading the market in the digital audio space,” said Nimigon. “The demand for digital audio content continues to develop at a significant rate and the launch of this new business presents a fantastic opportunity for the market in Canada to grow. It’s a very exciting time to become part of Global and I’m looking forward to rolling out DAX’s advanced technology – from audience targeting, personalised ads and sophisticated measurement – to our clients and partners across Canada.”

As one of the leading audio ad exchanges in Canada, publishers with inventory already on the leanStream roster include TuneIn, 8tracks and Adwave Canada.